16/07/2026
George Bailey – The Earring - Men’s adornment
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It was a great pleasure for me to meet George in person.
Born in the USA, the charismatic ballet pianist came to Germany and was invited by John Cranko for the Stuttgart Ballet in 1972. George Bailey became a favorite of world-renowned choreographers; John Neumeier and Maurice Béjart insisted on working with him as their pianist.
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After accompanying Stuttgart Ballet dancers on the piano for over 40 years, he remains active as a jazz musician to this day.
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George wears a gold earring that showcases the diversity of men’s adornment and demonstrates that jewelry knows no age limits.
This is also a key theme of the upcoming special exhibition *Zier & Zeichen: Was Männer schmückt* (“Decoration & Symbols: What Adorns Men”) at the Landesmuseum Württemberg (Landesmuseum Württemberg).
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My special thanks go to George and all the “models” for their patience and permission to photograph them, as well as to the organizers, curators, and the many others involved in this special exhibition who made it possible. I especially thank Dr. Astrid Fendt Astrid Fendt, Sissi Kalpakidou sissi_kalpakidou, and Lucie Boettger for their kind support.
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Special Exhibition: „Zier & Zeichen: Was Männer schmückt.“ (engl. “Decoration & Symbols: What Adorns Men.“)
Location: Landesmuseum Wuerttemberg, Old Castle, Stuttgart
Duration: October 17, 2026 - April 25, 2027
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Photo: Peter J. Spoerer © – All rights reserved
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